Seoraksan Autumn Colour Began September 28 (Normal Peak Is October 17)

First colour on Sept 28

The KMA Gangwon Regional Office said it observed the first autumn colour on Seoraksan on September 28, 2026, four days earlier than last year and the same as normal.

KMA counts first colour when 20% of a mountain has turned, starting from the summit, and peak at 80%. Seoraksan’s normal peak is October 17; in 2025 it came on October 24.

The release did not include a 2026 peak forecast. The KMA status map shows the actual stage.

Where to check conditions

On KMA’s Weather Nuri site (www.weather.go.kr), the Current weather > Spring flowers & foliage > Famous mountains foliage status page shows photos of 21 major mountains on a map.

Photos are posted for the before, first-colour and peak stages from September 21 to November 27, 2026. Checking Seoraksan’s stage there before picking a date avoids a wasted trip.

Cable car fares and rules

The Seorak Cable Car (1085 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho, Gangwon) climbs 1,128 m in about five minutes one way, reaching 699 m above sea level. Only round-trip tickets are sold: 16,000 won for adults (middle school and up), 12,000 won for children (37 months to elementary school) and free for those 36 months or younger. There are no group discounts, and senior and other discounts do not apply from September 19 to November 15, 2026.

Tickets are sold on the day at the ticket office, with no advance booking. There is no trail down, so riders must return by cable car, and catching the last car down leaves about 20 minutes at the top. Strong wind or bad weather can halt service, and unused tickets are fully refunded.

Strollers cannot board; free storage is available. The cable car has no parking lot, so visitors use the paid Sinheungsa lot, and smoking is banned throughout the national park. Hours vary by season and weather and are posted on the website, which is in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Phone: 033-636-4300.